Major floods of Texas

By Rebecca Salinas

Texas has been hit with dozens of major floods throughout the years, which have caused hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Keep clicking to see the most catastrophic floods in Texas' history, since 1913. less

Texas has been hit with dozens of major floods throughout the years, which have caused hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Keep clicking to see the most catastrophic floods in Texas' history, ... more

Photo: File

Texas has been hit with dozens of major floods throughout the...photo-7628395.104824 - |ucfirst

During a classic El Nino year in 1913, heavy rains drenched Texas. In this photo, taken during the December 1913 floods, kids wade in feet-high water on St. Mary's Street at Houston Streets. The last tens days in November 1913 saw heavy rains that laid the foundation for flooding during the first five days of December. Rainfall totals measured 20 to 25 inches, causing 180 drownings. less

During a classic El Nino year in 1913, heavy rains drenched Texas. In this photo, taken during the December 1913 floods, kids wade in feet-high water on St. Mary's Street at Houston Streets. The last tens days ... more

The Thrall Flood in 1921 drenched San Antonio due to a tropical storm that formed in the Bay of Campeche. In this photo from Sept. 21, 1921, soldiers float in a boat down St. Mary's Street. During 36 hours, the amount of rainfall stood at 39.7 inches, which drowned 51 people. less

The Thrall Flood in 1921 drenched San Antonio due to a tropical storm that formed in the Bay of Campeche. In this photo from Sept. 21, 1921, soldiers float in a boat down St. Mary's Street. During 36 hours, the ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photo / Arcadia Publishing

The Thrall Flood in 1921 drenched San Antonio due to a tropical...photo-4726114.104824 - |ucfirst

As a result of the Sept. 9-10, 1921 flood, the city decided to build the Olmos Dam to deter flash flooding. This photo shows one of the 13 bridges that were destroyed due to the flood.

As a result of the Sept. 9-10, 1921 flood, the city decided to build the Olmos Dam to deter flash flooding. This photo shows one of the 13 bridges that were destroyed due to the flood.

Photo: Ernst Wilhelm Raba, Courtesy Photo

As a result of the Sept. 9-10, 1921 flood, the city decided to...photo-3160366.104824 - |ucfirst

In 1935,
exceptional
floods
occurred
in
May
on
Seco
Creek,
in
June
on
the
Colorado
and
Nueces
Rivers
and
their
tributaries,
and
in
December
on
Buffalo
Bayou.
This photo shows a washed out downtown Houston after Buffalo Bayou flooding in December 1935. less

In 1935,
exceptional
floods
occurred
in
May
on
Seco
Creek,
in
June
on
the
Colorado
and
Nueces
Rivers
and
their
tributaries,
and
in
December
on
Buffalo
Bayou.
This photo shows a washed ... more

Photo: Houston Press

In 1935,
exceptional
floods
occurred
in
May
on
Seco
Creek,...photo-7457856.104824 - |ucfirst

A flood in May 1949 marked the worst flood in Fort Worth's history, due to the Clear Fork of the Trinity River breaking its levees and spilling into the city. This photo shows an overview of a soaked Fort Worth on May 17, 1949. less

A flood in May 1949 marked the worst flood in Fort Worth's history, due to the Clear Fork of the Trinity River breaking its levees and spilling into the city. This photo shows an overview of a soaked Fort Worth ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

A flood in May 1949 marked the worst flood in Fort Worth's...photo-7626312.104824 - |ucfirst

An estimated 11 inches of rain fell on Clear Fork on May 17, 1949, causing the levees to break. Property damages exceeded $10 million, and 10 people were killed.

An estimated 11 inches of rain fell on Clear Fork on May 17, 1949, causing the levees to break. Property damages exceeded $10 million, and 10 people were killed.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

An estimated 11 inches of rain fell on Clear Fork on May 17, 1949,...photo-7626317.104824 - |ucfirst

Debris cover a car lot as flood waters, the worst to strike Fort Worth, receded on May 18, 1949.

Debris cover a car lot as flood waters, the worst to strike Fort Worth, receded on May 18, 1949.

An overview of a flooded Fort Worth on May 17, 1949 .photo-7626313.104824 - |ucfirst

Heavy rain on Sept. 11, 1952, flooded the Pedernales, San Saba, Guadalupe, Comal and Colorado rivers, disrupting the worst drought on record. The flooding of the Colorado River caused Lake Travis to rise 57 feet in 14 hours. less

Heavy rain on Sept. 11, 1952, flooded the Pedernales, San Saba, Guadalupe, Comal and Colorado rivers, disrupting the worst drought on record. The flooding of the Colorado River caused Lake Travis to rise 57 ... more

Arroyo City, a string of houses, bait shops and other stores along the Arroyo Colorado was hard hit by Hurricane Beulah in Sept. 19-25, 1967, and the devastating floods that followed on Oct. 8, 1967. Arroyo City is located near the tip of Texas. less

Arroyo City, a string of houses, bait shops and other stores along the Arroyo Colorado was hard hit by Hurricane Beulah in Sept. 19-25, 1967, and the devastating floods that followed on Oct. 8, 1967. Arroyo ... more

Some areas have received over 20 inches of rain as a result of Hurricane Beulah. In this photo, an elderly woman resident of a Harlingen nursing home is rescued to safety by ambulance attendants as flood waters threatened the home and the entire Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, on Sept. 23, 1967. less

Some areas have received over 20 inches of rain as a result of Hurricane Beulah. In this photo, an elderly woman resident of a Harlingen nursing home is rescued to safety by ambulance attendants as flood waters ... more

Photo: Anonymous, AP Photo/Ted Powers

Some areas have received over 20 inches of rain as a result of...photo-7627915.104824 - |ucfirst

In this photo, Ricky Knight, 13, is pulled from the floodwaters in the Parkwood Addition of Harlingen, flooded by the overflowing Arroyo Colorado in Harlingen on Sept. 25, 1967. Because of the floods, roads, bridges, fences, livestock, homes and businesses were destroyed all over south Texas west of Victoria to the Rio Grande less

In this photo, Ricky Knight, 13, is pulled from the floodwaters in the Parkwood Addition of Harlingen, flooded by the overflowing Arroyo Colorado in Harlingen on Sept. 25, 1967. Because of the floods, roads, ... more

Photo: Ted Powers, AP Photo/Ted Powers

In this photo, Ricky Knight, 13, is pulled from the floodwaters in...photo-7627914.104824 - |ucfirst

In May 14-15, 1970, heavy rains fell on Central Texas, causing 400 homes to severely flood, as well as many more businesses and public buildings. Three elementary schools were also flooded, and some students had to be rescued by a helicopter. Two children drowned when a small aluminum boat they were being rescued in overturned. less

In May 14-15, 1970, heavy rains fell on Central Texas, causing 400 homes to severely flood, as well as many more businesses and public buildings. Three elementary schools were also flooded, and some students ... more

The San Marcos area received the worst of the May 1970 floods. Because of that, five flood-retention dams were built by the NRCS to prevent additional severe flooding. These structures prevented much of the city from being destroyed in the October 1998 flood when 20-30 inches of rain fell. less

The San Marcos area received the worst of the May 1970 floods. Because of that, five flood-retention dams were built by the NRCS to prevent additional severe flooding. These structures prevented much of the ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

The San Marcos area received the worst of the May 1970 floods....photo-7628029.104824 - |ucfirst

During May 1972, South Central Texas was devastated with torrential rains and major flooding. In this photo, San Antonians stand on Leon Creek, near Culebra and Loop 410. Flash floods crashed throughout the area from May 11-12, 1972. less

During May 1972, South Central Texas was devastated with torrential rains and major flooding. In this photo, San Antonians stand on Leon Creek, near Culebra and Loop 410. Flash floods crashed throughout the ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

During May 1972, South Central Texas was devastated with torrential...photo-7617808.104824 - |ucfirst

In this photo, taken in May 1972, flood waters reached two feet at Olmos Park.

In this photo, taken in May 1972, flood waters reached two feet at Olmos Park.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

In this photo, taken in May 1972 , flood waters reached two feet...photo-7617807.104824 - |ucfirst

The major areas that were affected in the May 1972 floods were the San Antonio and Guadalupe rivers, which received up to 16.5 inches in just two hours.

The major areas that were affected in the May 1972 floods were the San Antonio and Guadalupe rivers, which received up to 16.5 inches in just two hours.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

The major areas that were affected in the May 1972 floods were...photo-7617806.104824 - |ucfirst

In this May 12, 1972 photo, flood waters tore up a railroad track and sent a boxcar off the track near Landa Park in New Braunfels. Rains up to 12 inches struck the area that day.

In this May 12, 1972 photo, flood waters tore up a railroad track and sent a boxcar off the track near Landa Park in New Braunfels. Rains up to 12 inches struck the area that day.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

In this May 12, 1972 photo, flood waters tore up a railroad...photo-7617805.104824 - |ucfirst

Because the Guadalupe and San Antonio river basins were flooded, water roared down the Olmos Basin in May 1972.

Because the Guadalupe and San Antonio river basins were flooded, water roared down the Olmos Basin in May 1972.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

Because the Guadalupe and San Antonio river basins were flooded,...photo-7617804.104824 - |ucfirst

Even downtown got wet in May 1972. This photo shows a flooded San Antonio River, looking north to the Houston Street Bridge.

Even downtown got wet in May 1972. This photo shows a flooded San Antonio River, looking north to the Houston Street Bridge.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

Even downtown got wet in May 1972 . This photo shows a flooded San...photo-7617803.104824 - |ucfirst

This photo, taken in May 1972, shows a flooded Olmos Park golf course. Throughout the flash flood period, 17 people died in New Braunfels and one died in McQueeny. Property damage ranged from $15-$20 million.

This photo, taken in May 1972, shows a flooded Olmos Park golf course. Throughout the flash flood period, 17 people died in New Braunfels and one died in McQueeny. Property damage ranged from $15-$20 million.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

This photo, taken in May 1972 , shows a flooded Olmos Park golf...photo-7617802.104824 - |ucfirst

In this July 26, 1979, photo, people left the flood area of southeast Houston, and pass by one of many flood victims. The area was hit with heavy rains from the remains of tropical storm Claudette.

In this July 26, 1979, photo, people left the flood area of southeast Houston, and pass by one of many flood victims. The area was hit with heavy rains from the remains of tropical storm Claudette.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

In this July 26, 1979 , photo, people left the flood area of...photo-7617812.104824 - |ucfirst

From July 25-26, 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette dropped 43 inches of rain on Brazoria County, a populous county south of Houston. In this photo from July 26, 1979, a young victim wears a smile as she is carried from a boat to high ground in the southeast section of Houston. Other rescued persons leave the boat in the background. less

From July 25-26, 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette dropped 43 inches of rain on Brazoria County, a populous county south of Houston. In this photo from July 26, 1979, a young victim wears a smile as she is carried ... more

The next day on July 27, 1979, crews had to rescue people stranded in their flooded homes. During the flood, about 3,000 people were rescued from their homes.

The next day on July 27, 1979, crews had to rescue people stranded in their flooded homes. During the flood, about 3,000 people were rescued from their homes.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

The next day on July 27, 1979 , crews had to rescue people...photo-7617811.104824 - |ucfirst

The final results of the massive amount of rainfall Alvin, a small city south of Houston, received on July 27, 1979.

The final results of the massive amount of rainfall Alvin, a small city south of Houston, received on July 27, 1979.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

The final results of the massive amount of rainfall Alvin, a small...photo-7617809.104824 - |ucfirst

Heavy rains on Oct. 31, 1981, hit the Dallas area, with Springtown getting the worst of it. In this photo, a Springtown resident takes a break and has a cigarette in his stalled truck. He was stranded by rising waters from heavy rains of 6-10 inches. less

Heavy rains on Oct. 31, 1981, hit the Dallas area, with Springtown getting the worst of it. In this photo, a Springtown resident takes a break and has a cigarette in his stalled truck. He was stranded by rising ... more

In this photo, Barry Bobo and Johnny Cannon look in a truck overturned by flood waters in Springtown on Oct. 31, 1981. Due to the rain, the nearby Lake Grapevine reached a high of 563.5 feet, which sent water gushing over its spillway. less

In this photo, Barry Bobo and Johnny Cannon look in a truck overturned by flood waters in Springtown on Oct. 31, 1981. Due to the rain, the nearby Lake Grapevine reached a high of 563.5 feet, which sent water ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

In this photo, Barry Bobo and Johnny Cannon look in a truck...photo-7617816.104824 - |ucfirst

The Hill Country and South Texas received torrential rain from May to July 1987. This photo, taken on July 17, 1987, shows the Guadalupe River at 16 feet above the flood stage. The rain resulted in the worst flood of the Guadalupe River since 1932. During that summer, San Antonio received 18.45 inches of rain. less

The Hill Country and South Texas received torrential rain from May to July 1987. This photo, taken on July 17, 1987, shows the Guadalupe River at 16 feet above the flood stage. The rain resulted in the worst ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

The Hill Country and South Texas received torrential rain from May...photo-7617801.104824 - |ucfirst

As a result of the July 17, 1987, flood, 10 people died. They were all students who were on a school bus, on their way to a church camp. Thirty other students survived.

As a result of the July 17, 1987, flood, 10 people died. They were all students who were on a school bus, on their way to a church camp. Thirty other students survived.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

As a result of the July 17, 1987 , flood, 10 people died. They...photo-7617815.104824 - |ucfirst

Drenching rains from Tropical Storm Allison drenched Texas from Houston to Dallas in June 1989. In this photo, a motor home in the Houston area is sent afloat. Allison dumped more than 10 inches of rain in the Houston area. less

Drenching rains from Tropical Storm Allison drenched Texas from Houston to Dallas in June 1989. In this photo, a motor home in the Houston area is sent afloat. Allison dumped more than 10 inches of rain in the ... more

This photo, taken on May 3, 1990, shows a flooded Guadalupe River in downtown Kerrville. The banks of the river were swollen throughout the Hill Country, as 60 mph winds, tornadoes and baseball-size hail swept through South, Central and East Texas. That spring, nine people died due to storms. less

This photo, taken on May 3, 1990, shows a flooded Guadalupe River in downtown Kerrville. The banks of the river were swollen throughout the Hill Country, as 60 mph winds, tornadoes and baseball-size hail swept ... more

Photo: Express-News File Photo

This photo, taken on May 3, 1990 , shows a flooded Guadalupe River...photo-7617810.104824 - |ucfirst

On Oct. 18, 1994, Hurricane Rosa stormed through Texas, from the Pacific, up through Mexico. Massive flooding was reported across the state. Twenty-two in the storms path were killed. Texas was left with $700 million in damages. less

On Oct. 18, 1994, Hurricane Rosa stormed through Texas, from the Pacific, up through Mexico. Massive flooding was reported across the state. Twenty-two in the storms path were killed. Texas was left with $700 ... more

Two unidentified people paddle past a flooded basketball hoop in the central Texas community of Graveyard Point on June 24, 1997, near Lakeway, Texas. This was the third in a series of El Nino related storms moved into the Texas Hill Country in 1997. less

Two unidentified people paddle past a flooded basketball hoop in the central Texas community of Graveyard Point on June 24, 1997, near Lakeway, Texas. This was the third in a series of El Nino related storms ... more

Dewy Cooper looks back while piloting a boat over a flooded road in the central Texas community of Graveyard Point, after helping neighbor Mel Pennington view his flooded home on June 23, 1997.

Dewy Cooper looks back while piloting a boat over a flooded road in the central Texas community of Graveyard Point, after helping neighbor Mel Pennington view his flooded home on June 23, 1997.

Photo: HARRY CABLUCK, AP Photo

Dewy Cooper looks back while piloting a boat over a flooded road in...photo-7628196.104824 - |ucfirst

Surfers take advantage of high surf produced by Tropical Storm Charley on Aug. 22-25, 1998. The storm brought torrential rains and flash floods to the Hill Country. Thirteen people lost their lives and more than 200 were injured. less

Surfers take advantage of high surf produced by Tropical Storm Charley on Aug. 22-25, 1998. The storm brought torrential rains and flash floods to the Hill Country. Thirteen people lost their lives and more ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, Kin Man HUI

Surfers take advantage of high surf produced by Tropical Storm...photo-7628210.104824 - |ucfirst

A rainstorm from Oct. 17–19, 1998, set all-time records for rainfall and river levels, resulting in the death of 25 people, and causing more than $500 million damage from the Hill Country to the counties south and east of San Antonio. In this photo, several rescue boats make their way up Esplanade Street in Cuero, Texas. Floodwaters from the Guadalupe River forced the evacuation of residents living close to the river. less

A rainstorm from Oct. 17–19, 1998, set all-time records for rainfall and river levels, resulting in the death of 25 people, and causing more than $500 million damage from the Hill Country to the counties ... more

From June 30–July 7, 2002, excessive rainfall fell in the South Central and Edwards Plateau regions, and some areas received more than 30 inches of rain. Total damage was estimated at more than $2 billion. In this photo, signs at the intersection of U.S. 281 and Basse Road are nearly submerged by floodwaters in San Antonio. less

From June 30–July 7, 2002, excessive rainfall fell in the South Central and Edwards Plateau regions, and some areas received more than 30 inches of rain. Total damage was estimated at more than $2 billion. In ... more

Over Memorial Day weekend in 2013, as many as eight inches of rain were dropped in South Texas. In this photo, a San Antonio metro bus sits in floodwaters after it was swept off the road during heavy rains on May 25, 2013. less

Over Memorial Day weekend in 2013, as many as eight inches of rain were dropped in South Texas. In this photo, a San Antonio metro bus sits in floodwaters after it was swept off the road during heavy rains on ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

Over Memorial Day weekend in 2013, as many as eight inches of rain...photo-4686664.104824 - |ucfirst

Flood waters cover eight lanes of Highway 281, May 25, 2013, in San Antonio. The San Antonio International Airport recorded nearly 10 inches of rain in one day.

Flood waters cover eight lanes of Highway 281, May 25, 2013, in San Antonio. The San Antonio International Airport recorded nearly 10 inches of rain in one day.

A person is lifted to safety by emergency personnel during flooding off Quicksilver Blvd in southeast Austin, Texas, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Heavy overnight rains brought flooding to the area. The National Weather Service said more than a foot of rain fell in Central Texas, including up to 14 inches in Wimberley, since rainstorms began Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Austin American-Statesman, Deborah Cannon) AUSTIN CHRONICLE OUT, COMMUNITY IMPACT OUT, INTERNET MUST CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHER AND STATESMAN.COM, NO SALES less

A person is lifted to safety by emergency personnel during flooding off Quicksilver Blvd in southeast Austin, Texas, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Heavy overnight rains brought flooding to the area. The National ... more

Photo: Deborah Cannon, Associated Press

A person is lifted to safety by emergency personnel during flooding...photo-5395735.104824 - |ucfirst

Motorists are stranded along I-45 along North Main in Houston after storms flooded the area, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Overnight heavy rains caused flooding closing some portions of major highways in the Houston area. (Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle via AP) less

Motorists are stranded along I-45 along North Main in Houston after storms flooded the area, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Overnight heavy rains caused flooding closing some portions of major highways in the Houston ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Associated Press

Motorists are stranded along I-45 along North Main in Houston...photo-8055548.104824 - |ucfirst

Bexar County Sheriff’s Department rescued a total of four special needs students and two adults from a flooded bus on Scenic Loop on Oct. 30, 2015.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Department rescued a total of four special needs students and two adults from a flooded bus on Scenic Loop on Oct. 30, 2015.

Photo: Courtesy

Bexar County Sheriff’s Department rescued a total of four special...photo-8879119.104824 - |ucfirst

A neighborhood near Addicks Reservoir is flooded by rain from Harvey in Houston in this Aug. 29 photo. A draft of the state’s first major Hurricane Harvey recovery spending plan calls for Houston and Harris County to each receive more than $1 billion in aid. less

A neighborhood near Addicks Reservoir is flooded by rain from Harvey in Houston in this Aug. 29 photo. A draft of the state’s first major Hurricane Harvey recovery spending plan calls for Houston and Harris ... more

Photo: David J. Phillip /Associated Press

A neighborhood near Addicks Reservoir is flooded by rain from...photo-15372153.104824 - |ucfirst

Texas has been hit with dozens of major floods throughout the years, which have caused hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Keep clicking to see the most catastrophic floods in Texas' history, since 1913. less

Texas has been hit with dozens of major floods throughout the years, which have caused hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Keep clicking to see the most catastrophic floods in Texas' history, ... more